With the confirmation of the technical feasibility of the 8x-speed DVD+R Double Layer (DL) format, Verbatim Corporation announced that it will ship sample media to burner/recorder manufacturers to assist them in developing and optimizing the performance of their devices and for read/write and compatibility testing. Engineering samples of the new 8.5GB double layer media will also be used by software developers to upgrade and enhance their writing software. Verbatim 8x DVD+R DL media is expected to be available for consumers in Q3 2005.

The development of 8x-speed DVD+R DL media represents a significant performance leap. At 8x speed, the industry's fastest DVD DL burning speed, an entire 8.5GB disc can be filled to capacity in less than 16 minutes*-66 percent faster than first-generation 2.4x DVD+R DL media.

Verbatim also announced that it expects to begin shipping its new 8x DVD+RW media to retailers in Q1 2005. DVD burner manufacturers and their software suppliers have started using the media for drive design, read/write and compatibility testing. With the new Verbatim 8x DVD+RW media, users will be able to write or rewrite an entire 4.7GB disc in about 7 minutes. Backed by a limited lifetime warranty, Verbatim 8x DVD+RW media will be available through leading retailers, Internet resellers and distributors across the country late in Q1 2005.